1921 Duesenberg and 1970 Dodge Challenger added to National Historic Vehicle Register

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The 1921 Duesenberg Straight Eight and the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE have officially been inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Register! These two cars will join the ranks of the other 26 automobiles currently on the register. Their histories will be documented in perpetuity at the Library of Congress so their stories may live on for generations!

This 1921 Duesenberg Straight Eight, later known as the Model A, was the first passenger car Duesenberg, ordered new by the Castle Family. It was designed to “outclass, outrun, and outlast any car on the road” by setting a new standard for luxury and performance in a road-going automobile at the time. Featuring the first straight-eight engine in a passenger car, innovative hydraulic brakes, and an aluminum body by Bender, the Straight Eight laid the foundation for one of the most prolific and recognized automobile brands in American history. The “Castle Duesenberg”, as it is often called, stayed with the Castle family for nearly 100 years until it was donated to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in late 2019.

The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE is the quintessential example of a muscle car. Ordered new with loads of options by Godfrey Qualls, this unrestored Hemi Challenger was secretly street raced on the roads of Detroit and eventually passed down from father to son amongst the Qualls family. It features a gator-grain top, a 4-speed transmission, Hurst shifter, an all-black color scheme, and a 425 hp Hemi V8 (among other styling and performance options) that make it a one of the most unique Dodge Challengers ever built.

With Duesenberg celebrating its 100th Anniversary and Challenger celebrating its 50th anniversary, there is no better time than now to recognize each of these vehicles as having made an impact on America’s history.Stay tuned for full-length documentaries on each of these cars, and even a glimpse of what it’s like to get behind the wheel of such legendary historic vehicles! #DriveHistory

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[erkthejerkjerk]

I just watched a documentary about The Black Ghost. So awesome!

[RA-lkvz]

That challenger story - “That is the greatest car story EVER

[clodge]

America's driving passion. Two beautiful examples one with a straight 8 and the other with the mighty 426 elephant.

[jofiouris]

The Black Ghost Documentary brought me here. American Muscle lives forever!

[fractaljack]

This is truly incredible. I especially love how Diane gets visibly excited about talking about both of the recipients. I grew up in Detroit in the late 60s and early 70s and without a doubt that Challenger is my dream car of all time. Well done!

[jsfury]

Simply the coolest thing to come out of Washington D.C. Thank you HVA.

[tjtrent]

GQ and the story about the Black Ghost was absolutely fantastic. Quality of video was great, and the story was seriously fantastic. What a good man and his son seems like a great guy too. I truly couldn’t get enough of that story. What a legend that man and his car truly are. They are so deserving of this honor that they should get a special accolade of some sort because that car will draw thousands and thousands of people to research, visit, and contribute to the NHVR by its story alone. That family just can’t get enough credit and props for being such good people.

[Booksince]

Love both cars!!!! Watched the Black Ghost documentary this weekend. Awesome story!! Highly recommended!!!

[millmill]

Both these cars many decades later are still shockingly beautiful 😍

[CreationsVibration]

His dad sacrificed for his country and community, and his pride is in his street racing... full stop.

[carloborromeo]

The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T is a one of a kind muscle car and one heck of a story. It is stories like these that both automobile and national history must preserve for generations to come. For our children and their children's children to know and appreciate the roots of where it all started and how mankind has evolved into the modern car guy.

[Carchaeology]

Great choices this year. Two fantastic cars with great back stories that definitely represent the history of America on wheels. I’m a huge fan of what you folks are up to. If you ever need any help with anything on the west coast, I’m ready, willing and able!

[karlx-]

Thank you for your commitment to proper preservation of automotive history. Nicely produced short doc.

[melkel]

I was born in '71. Very nearly came in with the Challenger, but the Challenger's not going out :D
My first car was a Green 2 door '72 Pontiac Catalina I got for $400. The body lines were so much like the Challenger I just loved it. Drove like a boat though, springs were shot. Could still do 110 when it was 20 years old. With bad springs, it's a wonder I survived my 20's. Open up all 4 butterflies and hear the drive chain tick. XD

[WorldwideDarts]

The Black Ghost!!! What a GREAT story! Watch the documentary if you get the chance.

[ui]

Man the story behind the black ghost was honestly amazing

[allenbgley]

70s callenger...I cried watching ur dads story about black ghosts ur dad would be proud young man

[maldo]

just watched the Black Ghost and mannn what a story oh my god what a car ... and all the right options i bet every mopar guy out there needs a napkin after watching ... His father new exaclty how to pick this car... and the fact that it is all orginal 45, 000 miles blows my mind ...

[Leatherface.]

That challenger used to haunt the streets at night

[VRQuickDrawMcGraw]

I had goosebumps the whole time I watched the black ghost documentary. This is what a father a son bond is all about.